When Haider Ackermann filled his S/S13 runway with transparent creations emblazoned with black and white dots, it seemed like an unusual move. Polka dots are a fashion standard dating back years, but the diminutive patterns are more often associated with the prim styles of the 1950s than with the kinds of cutting-edge wares favored on Paris’ runways. The designer so known for his innovative use of lush, saturated color was showing another side, taking one of the most uncool of motifs and making it feel new.

In keeping with the current craze for all things graphic, stylists have embraced the versatility of these simple circles, working Ackermann’s creations into a variety of editorials. On occasion the interpretations don’t veer too far from the runway approach (fashion abides by the ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ mantra whenever it can) but the excitement comes when the spots are complimented by clashing patterns to create a dynamic visual treat. Whether it is layering in another of Ackermann’s prints from S/S or adding a bold kimono for interest, the real fun lies in the mix which offers stylists an opportunity to show their creativity.

W Magazine | Photographer: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott | Fashion Editor/ Stylist:Edward Enninful | Hair: Malcolm Edwards | Makeup: Lucia Pieroni | Set Designer: Poppy Bartlett | Manicurist: Anatole Rainey | Model: Ondria Hardin

Vogue China | Photographer: Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Nicoletta Santoro (New York: Management + Artists, Paris: Management + Artists) | Hair: James Pecis | Makeup: Tom Pecheux | Manucurist: Gina Viviano | Casting: Piergiorgio Del Moro | Model: Arizona Muse

032C Photographer: Jamie Morgan | Styling:Jodie Barnes | Hair: Tomo Jidai | Make-up:Laura Dominique | Model: Arizona Muse

Elle France | Photogrpaher: Bjarne Jonasson | Stylist: Michele Beaurenaut | Model: Xiao Wen Ju

Vogue Thailand | Photographer: David Bellemere | Stylist: Anna Schiffel | Model: Anna de Rijk

Numero | Photographer: Greg Harris | Stylist: Sheila Single | Model: Stef Van Der Laan

Elle Italia | Photographer: Alexei Hay | Casting: Paul Hunt at JN Casting | Model: Pau Bertolini

Vogue China | Photographer: Sharif Hamza (Cadence New York) | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Tiina Laakkonen | Hair: Esther Langham | Makeup: Francelle Daly | Model: Ji Hye Park

Marie Claire Magazine | Photographer: Danilo Gallinari | Fashion Editor: Enrique Campos | Hair: Javier Palacio | Makeup: Tatyana Makarova| Manicure: Lucia Cheptene | Model: Harmony Boucher

W Magazine | Photographer: Tim Walker | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Jacob K | Hair: Julien d’Ys | Makeup: Stephane Marais | Set Designer: Rhea Thierstein | Model: Tilda Swinton

10 Magazine |  Photographer: Robert Schoerner | Fashion Editor/Stylist: Sophia Neophitou | Model: Kristen McMenamy

Vogue Russia | Photographer: Tom Craig | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Olga Dunina | Model:Arizona Muse

i-D Magazine | Photographer: Mari Sarai | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Erika Kurihara | Hair: Tomo Jidai | Makeup: Janeen Witherspoon | Casting: Shelley Durkan | Model: Soo Joo

Vogue Turkey | Photographer: Cuneyt Akeroglu | Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Semra Russell| Hair: Colin Gold | Model: Stina Rapp Wastenson

British Vogue | Photographer: Josh Olins| Fashion Editor/ Stylist: Clare Richardson | Hair: Shon | Makeup: Sally Branka | Set Designer: Kadu Lennox | Models: Meghan Collison and Juliana Schurig

Alexei Hay takes things into the wild for 10 Men. The spring/summer issue features Danny Schwarz, Thomas Hoefnagels, Blake Kuchta & Robert Rae sporting gear that bridges the gap between western and tribal. The handsome quartet – handpicked by Daniel Peddle Casting - looks incredible thanks in part to David Vandewal‘s distinctive styling. Each boy brings something different to the table in terms of appeal but together it makes for an enticing editorial.

While so many magazines have gone the way of the celebrity for their big September issues, Harper’s Bazaar UK makes an excellent compromise with model turned actress Sophie Dahl. Granddaughter of Roald Dahl (famed children’s book author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach), Sophie’s very fair English beauty is perfect for September’s “The British Issue”.

Ph: Alexei Hay for Harper’s Bazaar UK September 08, pic via tFS scanned by OriginalSin